Fancy That: Gold & Citrus Jewelry
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Sara fancies luxurious and inventive jewelry by Gold & Citrus. Just as the name suggests, their pieces are a little sweet and a little tart with designs that combine traditional elements—gold chains, gemstones, and beads—with more daring and unusual ones—feathers, studs, and antique wooden sequins. The collection offers something for every taste from simple and elegant, to sleek and sexy, to richly textured and exotic.
Gold & Citrus is a collaboration of local artists Sara Rossbach and Richard Combs. They work together on the jewelry designs, then Sara meticulously created each piece by hand with beads, sewing machine, and metalwork, while Rich makes sure the whole experience of their jewelry is equally beautiful with his packaging and website design.
Everything in their three unique jewelry lines—We’re Golden, Body & Soul, and Everyday, Everyway—represents the brand’s philosophy that luxury does not have to be so serious. Many pieces are asymmetrical, and some, such as the scarf-like Clementine necklace shown above, are designed to be worn several ways, giving the owner a chance to have fun and be comfortable wearing an eye-catching and made-to-order piece of jewelry.
The Gold & Citrus online shop is having a holiday sale! Use coupon code GOLDEN20 at checkout to SAVE 20% on the entire site, today through Monday, Nov. 30th.
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Culturshock: a seismic event celebrating the best of Bay Area art & design
On November 5th, Culturcosm will host its first event benefiting its carefully-curated roster of local talent. Held at the acclaimed Space Gallery, the event will feature a bevy of independent artists and vendors showcased over a 2-level 1600 square foot venue, with full bar service.
Participating Artists include:
ReMade USA Handbags
Litter Jewelry
Kurt Manley Photography
Quando Belts by Genaro Vergoglini
Tomgirl Jewelry by Taryn McCabe
Cuong Ta Ceramics
Artwork by Hilary Williams
Artwork by John Wood
Vanessa Gade Jewelry
Spray Can Artworks by FuryOne
My Dutch Bike
Nate1 of New Skool
Shop our recommended best in Bay Area art and fashion, boogie down with DJ ExtraLars and marvel at surprise live entertainment planned throughout the evening.
Join us from 6 o’clock on and support the movers and shakers of the Bay Area!
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Fancy That: Theroux by Moscot
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Michael fancies the limited edition Theroux eyeglass frame by Moscot. Named for the “Mulholland Drive” star Justin Theroux, these frames are an exacting replica of the 1960s French originals that his character wore in the film.
A fixture in the optical industry since 1915, Moscot carries a handsome collection of frames for men and women. Can’t get to one of their myriad international retail locations? Their online shop takes the guesswork out of frame selection. With style suggestions for every face shape and a virtual “try on” simulator, Moscot’s number one priority is keeping all eyes on you.
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A Hot-Tranny Press
Remember when reality talent shows were in limited supply and Project Runway was television worth demanding? When Michael Kors made more than cameos and Heidi Klum had not just cleavage but clout? When “fierce” was a but a glimmer in the gay lexicon? It feels like a lifetime ago, pun intended.
For anyone hoping to relive past PR glory in perpetuity, treat yourself to season 4 on DVD and feast your style on former winner Christian Siriano’s new book, Fierce Style: How to be Your Most Fabulous Self. If you can wait until Tuesday, Oct. 13, even better—because from 2-3 p.m., Mr. Siriano himself will be on hand to put his John Hancock on your very own copy at Saks Fifth Avenue in Union Square (floor Two).
All attendees are encouraged to read the first paragraph of the book aloud to Siriano while using their best Tim Gunn impersonation. OK, so we made that last part up. But we can’t help it; we’re dying for drama à la the old days. Bring it!
For more information about the book signing, visit Saks.com. Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 384 Post Street in Union Square, San Francisco. The signing will take place on floor Two. Space is limited so please RSVP to 415.438.5411.
— Kay
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Just Say “Yes” to Asian Fast Fashion
San Francisco’s fast-fashion scene has gone full-on fusion with the launch of YesStyle boutique in Stonestown Galleria. The store’s grand opening marks the first exclusively Asian retail concept to set up shop in a mainstream mall location in the United States. This is thrilling new territory for mass fashion in the Bay. Not only is YesStyle’s presence furthering global fashion consciousness, now we plain-Jane and yawn-John U.S.A.s can get our Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong fashion on, without having to leave the mainland.
Some of the store’s more notable brands include Googims, colorful T-shirts and hoodies with cuddly Korean cartoon illustrations; the multi-layered femme-eclectic drapery of Dodostyle; Osaka’s Buden Akindo, offering what the Japanese do best—”churning” contemporary urban style and Japanese culture; and Namitatsu, evolving the East-meets-West tradition by combining ancient Japanese art with modern surfer culture. YesStyle also offers designer fashion collaborations from the likes of Dirk Lui, Koogi, and Dean Clau.
Even better, any American shopper who’s died a little each time she’s attempted to wedge into diminutive Asian fashions will be pleasantly surprised; while the store itself may be small, many of YesStyle’s fits are a generous “one size,” accommodating a wider variety of … well, to put it delicately, wider body types.
Then there’s the price. Yours truly brought home a pair of men’s football-inspired trousers with origami-fold pockets for under $30 (like the white ones on the gentleman pictured above, only in black). And I’m already craving my next steal, a faux-fur cardigan best described as a streamlined version of a real fur chubby, for the lean price of $55.
YesStyle is located on the upper level of Stonestown Galleria, 3251 20th Ave, in San Francisco, 415.661.8390. You can also shop the store online. For more YesStyle flavor, check out some of the store’s fan compilations over at Polyvore.
— Kay
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Fancy That: DWNTWN Skate Supply
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Sara fancies skaters. Nothing gets her attention like the sound of skateboard wheels on pavement. More newsworthy, Sara fancies the newest addition to the Tendernob’s collection of tiny shops overflowing with coolness—DWNTWN Skate Supply.
Officially launching today, 9/11/09, the brick and mortar home of San Francisco’s own Roughneck and 48blocks.com also carries a variety of hand-picked skate decks, hardware, apparel, and accessories. With Huf just around the corner, DWNTWN is in good company, and to prove they are among SF’s finest they have the honor of being the first stop on this year’s Bart Tour skate event this Sunday.
Stop in, check out the goods, peruse the art displayed on the gallery wall, and congratulate owners Leland and Johnny Roughneck on their new endeavor. A new storefront opening in the ‘hood is well worth celebrating, especially one that supports San Francisco’s venerable skate culture.
DWNTWN Skate Supply is located at 644 Hyde Street in San Francisco. Open 11am - 7pm daily. 415.913.7422.
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Let Them Eat Red Bean Cake
I don’t bake. But to listen to those that do, it seems a relatively manageable endeavor. A dash of flour here, a dab of butter there and, voilà, anyone can be Sara Lee.
To me, baking is still an unachievable art form, and best left to the experts. And none appear to be more expert in their craft than the Japanese. Famous for the refined artistry that guides their creative spirit, they, no doubt, bring the same quiet elegance to their confections.
Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) are said to have been developed, and refined, during the Edo Period, before any influx of influence from the West. The sweets themselves are made not with the expected butter, milk and cheese standards, but rather with rice flour, sweet bean paste (azuki) and sugar. No need to count calories here; despite their deceptively wicked taste, wagashi are typically lower in fat and healthier than most Western cakes and pastries. Their all-natural ingredient formula adheres to the teachings of ancient literature. Even their names are poetic, echoing the beauty of shape, color and taste of the sweets themselves.
This novel brand of delectable treats is the newest of East-meets-West fads to land in San Francisco. Minamoto Kitchoan’s recently opened Market Street location is poised to win over fans with its unique zen-like interior and seasonal menu selections. Pick up a tray at the counter and let your eye guide you to a visual smorgasbord of flavors. In store now, look for the Hakuto Jelly, made from high quality white peach, or the Tsuya [pictured below], a coupling of mini pancakes with a red bean paste center.
My sweet tooth has a new pleasure and it’s turning Japanese.
Minamoto Kitchoan is located at 648 Market Street in San Francisco. The nearest BART Station is Montgomery Street. Open 9:30am - 7pm daily. 415.989.1645.
—Michael
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Fancy That: Luxury Laptop Carrier
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Kay fancies the Burnett Silver Python laptop carrier from Violet May of London. The luxury of being an itinerant worker notwithstanding, the reality of schlepping one’s workspace from classroom to coffee shop to client office affords very little in the way of sanity, let alone style. The search for an attaché with cachet ends with this handcrafted leather laptop bag from Violet May. Designed in London by women for women, comprised of Italian leather, and lovingly made by a family-run leather goods operation in Spain, the Burnett combines the best of Europe with a commitment to quality, function, and fabulousness.
Violet May supports the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the continuation of fine craftsmanship and design. Learn more at the company’s website. The Burnett Silver Python laptop carrier will set you back about $675, not including shipping and handling from across the pond.
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Fancy That: Lekker Necklines
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Sara fancies vintage scarf ascots from Lekker. Sported as a fresh alternative to a necklace, they’re sure to turn heads and sass-up any outfit, from jeans and a t-shirt to a cocktail dress, even adding some warmth on a cool night.
Lekker founder and Bay Area designer, Catherine Weis has been collecting vintage scarves at shops and flea markets for years, drawn by their vibrant patterns. With a life-long interest in fashion design, and a professional career in graphic design, Catherine began applying her artistic eye and creative know-how to her scarf collection. The result is a totally unique and modern twist on the classic woman’s ascot.
“I’ve always been interested in the play between shapes, textures and color, between the old and the new. I’m inspired and reassured to know that classic design never goes out of style.”
Each hand-selected scarf is put through a professional pleating process and hand-sewn to a lace collar fitted with an adjustable gold-plated chain and lobster claw clasp. Choose from the “Chrysler” or “A Line” design, available in a variety of lengths, or go extra-glam in black lace. There are so many delicious designs, you’ll want more than one!
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Fancy That: Pepperface
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Sara fancies the mean and sexy Pepperface™ palm-sized pepper spray device to the stars. The world’s smallest aerosol pepper spray insert hides stealthily inside an aerospace aluminum body that is, if you so choose, stylishly adorned with Swarovski® crystals. A knockout cast of celebrities, including Carmen Electra, Lindsay Lohan, and yes, even Jason Lee, are hot for these self-defense accessories. And if that doesn’t prove that you can have “hand-held protection that looks as at home on the red carpet as it does in the self-defense category” then E! makes the point clear.
Maybe it was the full moon, or maybe it was just the charm of Polk Gulch and Geary in the evening, but when I was walking home at 10pm the other night, as I’ve done a hundred times, I was overcome with the desire to feel the cool weight of the Gorgeous Gold™ 18K gold-plated Pepperface Palm Defender® securely in my sweaty fist.
Whether it’s with blinged-out pepper spray or some serious self-defense moves, an independent woman in the city needs to be able to protect herself. You can learn a unique form of full-force self-defense at Impact Bay Area in Oakland. Voted Best of the Bay Area by San Francisco Magazine, Impact is a nonprofit organization and an internationally recognized leader in the self-defense field. A two and a half-hour Intro course is offered at a sliding scale of $20-$50. Where my tough ladies at?
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About
Culturcosm is your online authority on the climate of trend throughout the Bay Area. Your roving reporters are taking to the streets and chasing down the real story. Be it stormy or serene, torrid or just plain tragic, we will break it down before you hit it up. Stay tuned. There's a new trend breaking every minute.
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General Inquiriesinfo@culturcosm.com
Michael, founder / editor-in-chiefmichael@culturcosm.com
Kay, founder / contributing editorkay@culturcosm.com
Sara, trendcaster / managing editorsara@culturcosm.com
Heather, social commentatorheather@culturcosm.com
Taylor, music trendcastertaylor@culturcosm.com
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